Durian, hailed as the King of Fruits, attracts numerous consumers with its unique flavor and rich nutritional value. Particularly in the Chinese market, demand for imported durian continues to rise annually. However, importing this exotic delicacy into China is no easy task. So, what documents are required for durian imports? How can compliance with customs clearance be ensured? This article details the specific procedures and requirements for importing durian.

According to relevant regulations, frozen durian is a permitted import commodity, specifically including the following two categories:

Durian pulp and puree (without shell): Must be frozen at -30°C or below for 30 minutes and stored/transported at -18°C or below.Whole durian (with shell): Must be frozen between -80°C to -110°C for no less than 1 hour and stored/transported at -18°C or below.
Currently, China permits durian imports mainly from Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.II. Durian

Importing durian requires certain qualifications for both suppliers and consignees:

Consignee Qualifications:

(a) Food Business License: A prerequisite for importing fresh fruits.(b) Business Scope in Business License: Must include qualifications for agricultural products or related food items.
(c) Warehouse Registration: Importers must ensure warehouses are registered.
(d) Fresh Fruit Importer/Consignee Registration and Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License: These are essential documents for import customs clearance.This is a prerequisite for importing fresh fruit.
(b) Business license scope:Must includeimport and exportQualifications for agricultural or related food products.
(c) Warehouse registration:Importers must ensure the warehouse is registered.
(d) Importer and Consignee Registration for Imported Fresh Fruit and Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine Permit:This is an important document for import customs clearance.

To ensure smooth customs clearance, importers need to prepare the following documents:
Original foreign health certificate (should indicate container number)
Original certificate of origin
Original bill of lading or telex release
Packing list, commercial invoice, contract
Payment voucher, insurance policy
Frozen durian HS code (Tariff No. 0811909090)

Note: Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand are ASEAN countries eligible for 0% import tariff. Additionally, the packaging must indicate the fruit name, origin, and packer name/code in Chinese or English.

To ensure a smooth import process, special attention should be paid to the following points:

Storage agreement:Ensure the cold storage facility has passed inspection and quarantine registration. The warehouse listed in the commitment letter must be registered before applying for the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License and storage.
Advance procedures:Before shipment, the consignee must obtain the Entry Animal and Plant Quarantine License and complete consignee registration.

(1) Entry inspection and quarantine

When durians arrive at the port of entry, Chinese customs will conduct inspection and quarantine according to relevant laws, regulations, and rules.
The inspection and quarantine mainly includes:
(a) Verifying documents, checking the phytosanitary certificate and relevant information on packaging along with official quarantine marks.
(b) Inspecting fruits for pests, disease symptoms, branches, leaves, soil, or pest damage.
(c) Sampling for safety and hygiene testing according to regulations and standards.

(2) Handling of non-compliance

Disinfestation treatment:If quarantine pests or other live pests of quarantine significance are found with effective treatment methods available, disinfection treatment will be applied. Goods passing disinfection will be released.
Return or destruction:
Goods will be returned or destroyed under the following circumstances:
(a) Invalid phytosanitary certificate or license, or inconsistency between goods and documents.
(b) Packaging not indicating fruit name, origin, orchard registration code, or packer name/registration code in Chinese or English.
(c) Originating from unregistered orchards or packing facilities (except Thai frozen durians).
(d) Presence of branches, leaves, or soil.
(e) Failing inspection with no effective treatment method available, or detection of toxic/harmful substances exceeding Chinese safety standards.

This detailed introduction provides comprehensive understanding of durian import procedures and required documents. Compliance with relevant regulations and standards ensures smooth import process and product quality/safety. For further assistance or services, ShanghaiZhongShen International TradeProvide one-stop import supply chain services to help you easily complete durian imports and enjoy the delicious taste of the King of Fruits.